Secretary of the Navy visits New river, flies Osprey

[USMC5831]

Secretary of the Navy visits New River, flies in Osprey
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #:2004811161132
Story by Sgt. Juan Vara



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Aug. 11, 2004) -- The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, visited New River on August 11 and soared the North Carolina skies in an Osprey.

England and his official party arrived at Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 here for an orientation flight in the Osprey after visiting Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Moore, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, and Col. Glenn M. Walters, VMX-22 commanding officer, welcomed the dignitaries with a safety brief, the presentation of a flight suit, a squadron patch and a flight badge, prior to boarding the aircraft.

The flight lasted approximately 35 minutes, and England had an opportunity to experience some of the Osprey’s capabilities, such as vertical and short take-off and landing (V/STOL) and increased speed not found in any helicopter.

“Marvelous,” said England after the flight. “It’s terrific, a tremendous capability for our country.”

After briefly entertaining a few members of the local media, England and his official party departed New River to continue with the rest of his visit.

The leader of the Navy-Marine Corps team’s itinerary included a visit with Marines and Sailors of the 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune; the presentation of a Navy Cross (the second highest medal that can be awarded by the U.S. Navy) to Navy Seaman Luis E. Fonseca, a corpsman assigned to the Camp Lejeune’s Naval Hospital; a luncheon with community leaders in Havelock, N.C.; a tour of the Naval Air Depot at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C.; a stop by Marine Air Support Squadron-1 to present a Purple Heart to Cpl. Adam M. Youngman, and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device to Sgt. Shawn R. Donahue; and take part in a promotion ceremony at Marine Wing Support Squadron-271.

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Photos included with story:The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, smiles for the camera while sitting in the cockpit of an Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 during an orientation flight August 11. Photo by: Sgt. Juan Vara
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, speaks with Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Moore, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding officer after disembarking an Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 on August 11. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Zachary R. Frank
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, is greeted by Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Moore, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, as he arrives at Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 after a visit to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., on August 11. Photo by: Sgt. Juan Vara
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, was presented with a flight suit, a flight badge and a squadron patch at Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 prior to an orientation flight in an Osprey on August 11. Photo by: Sgt. Juan Vara
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, puts on the proper aviation life support equipment prior to boarding an Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 on August 11. Photo by: Sgt. Juan Vara